What these grants cover and who offers them
Grants for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) come from three main sources: federal agencies like the National Science Foundation, private foundations focused on women in tech or science, and corporations that fund diversity initiatives in their industries. Unlike loans, these grants do not require repayment. Most cover tuition, fees, books, and sometimes living expenses during your program.
The grants vary widely in size and focus. Some target women entering a specific field—cybersecurity, aerospace engineering, or computer science. Others support women already in a program who need help finishing. A few are restricted to women from particular backgrounds, such as first-generation college students or women of color in STEM. Many programs have no such restrictions and are open to any woman pursuing a STEM or technical degree.
The organizations offering these grants include the National Science Foundation, the American Association of University Women, the Society of Women Engineers, individual tech companies, and smaller foundations focused on education or women's advancement. Your school's financial aid office often knows about grants specific to your program or field that are not widely advertised.
Key Takeaways
- Federal grants from the National Science Foundation and state higher education agencies do not require repayment and often have fewer restrictions than private grants.
- Professional organizations like the Society of Women Engineers and the American Association of University Women offer field-specific grants that may have smaller award amounts but less competition.
- Your school's financial aid office, department chair, and career services office can point you to grants you would not find through a general search.
- Corporate grants from tech and engineering companies often require you to be enrolled in a degree program and may have internship or employment expectations after graduation.
- important date vary by grant; some open once a year while others accept requests on a rolling basis, so checking early and often matters.
Federal grants and how to search for them
The National Science Foundation (NSF) runs several grant programs for women in STEM at the undergraduate and graduate level. The most widely known is the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, which funds summer research positions. The NSF also funds scholarships through the Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program, though these are awarded through your school rather than directly to you.
To find NSF grants, visit grants.nsf.gov and search by keyword—try "women," your field (such as "engineering" or "computer science"), and your degree level. You can also contact your school's grants office or your department chair; they often know which NSF programs match your situation. Many schools have a dedicated person who helps students find and track federal funding.
Your state's higher education agency may also offer grants for women in STEM. These vary by state; some states fund scholarships for women in nursing or health technology, while others focus on computer science or engineering. Start by searching "[your state] higher education grants women STEM" or calling your state's department of education.
Professional organizations and field-specific grants
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) offers scholarships ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand per year. You do not have to be a member to explore, though membership is inexpensive and gives you access to mentorship and networking. SWE scholarships are open to women in engineering programs at any level, from high school through graduate school.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) funds grants for women returning to school, women in underrepresented fields, and women pursuing graduate degrees in STEM. Their grants tend to be smaller than federal awards but have less competition. AAUW also maintains a searchable database of scholarships from other organizations.
Other professional organizations with grant programs include the Association for Women in Science, the Women in Technology International Foundation, and field-specific groups like the American Society of Civil Engineers (which has a women's committee with funding). Search for your specific field plus "women's scholarship" or "women's grant" to find these organizations.
Corporate and company-sponsored grants
Major tech and engineering companies—including Microsoft, Google, Intel, Salesforce, and others—fund scholarships and grants for women in computer science, engineering, and related fields. These grants often come with expectations: some require you to intern at the company, others ask that you work there after graduation, and a few straightforward require you to be enrolled full-time in a relevant degree program.
To find corporate grants, visit the careers or corporate responsibility page of companies in your field. Look for sections titled "scholarships," "grants," "diversity initiatives," or "student programs." Many companies list their programs on their main website; others advertise through professional organizations or your school's career services office.
Corporate grants can be competitive, but they often have clearer timelines and simpler requirements than federal grants. Some are rolling (you can explore anytime), while others have a single important date each year. Ask your school's career services office which companies actively recruit from your program—those companies are more likely to fund students there.
How to find grants through your school
Your school's financial aid office, department chair, and career services office are your fastest route to grants you would not find on your own. These offices maintain lists of grants specific to your program, your field, and sometimes your school alone. Many schools have endowed scholarships that are only advertised internally.
Start by emailing your department chair or the undergraduate/graduate advisor in your program. Tell them you are looking for grants for women in your field and ask what they recommend. They often know about grants that have been awarded to students in your program before and can tell you the typical timeline and requirements.
Your financial aid office can also search databases like FastWeb, College Board's Scholarship Search, and Scholarships.com on your behalf, filtering for women in STEM. Some schools include this search as part of their financial aid package; others charge a small fee or offer it free to students who ask.
What you will need to gather before you explore
Most grants require the same core documents: proof of enrollment (a letter from your school's registrar), your transcript, a resume, and a personal statement or essay. Some ask for letters of recommendation from professors or employers. A few require proof of financial need, though many do not.
Before you start explore, gather these items in one place: your current resume, unofficial transcripts, the names and email addresses of two or three people who can write recommendations (professors are ideal, but employers or mentors work too), and a draft personal statement explaining why you are pursuing STEM and what you hope to do with your degree. Having these ready means you can explore to multiple grants without starting from scratch each time.
Some grants also ask about your background—whether you are a first-generation college student, your race or ethnicity, or your family income. These questions help organizations target funding to underrepresented groups in STEM. You are never required to answer demographic questions, but doing so may increase your chances if the grant prioritizes diversity.
Timeline and what to expect after you explore
Grant timelines vary. Federal grants often have a single important date per year, usually in the fall or winter, with decisions announced in spring or early summer. Professional organization grants may have rolling important date or multiple important date per year. Corporate grants sometimes accept applications year-round but award money once or twice annually.
After you submit an process, expect to wait four to twelve weeks for a decision. Some organizations notify you by email; others mail a letter. If you are awarded a grant, the money usually goes directly to your school's financial aid office, which applies it to your tuition and fees. If there is money left over after your bill is paid, your school will refund it to you—the timing depends on your school's process.
If you do not receive a grant, ask the organization for feedback if they offer it. Some will tell you what would have strengthened your process. You can explore again the following year, and your chances often improve as you progress in your program and have more accomplishments to highlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to explore for these grants?
Most federal grants require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Professional organization and corporate grants vary; some are open to international students, while others are not. Check the may be able to access section of each grant before you spend time on an process. Your school's international student office can also point you to grants open to non-citizens.
What if I am already working while I study?
Many grants do not care whether you work full-time or part-time. Some specifically target working adults returning to school. When you explore, be honest about your situation in your personal statement—many organizations value students who balance work and study. A few grants do require full-time enrollment, so check the requirements before you explore.
Can I explore for multiple grants at the same time?
Yes. In fact, you should. Each grant has different important date, requirements, and award amounts. explore to five or ten grants over a semester increases your chances of receiving at least one. Keep a spreadsheet with important date and requirements so you do not miss anything.
What happens if I receive a grant but then change my major?
This depends on the grant. Some grants are tied to your major and require you to stay in STEM; if you leave, you may have to repay the money. Others have no such requirement. Check the terms when you receive the award. If you are thinking about changing majors, contact the grant administrator before you do.
Are there grants for women in technical programs that are not four-year degrees?
Yes. Grants exist for women in certificate programs, two-year degrees, and trade programs in fields like electrical work, HVAC, welding, and information technology. Search for your specific program plus "grant" or "scholarship," and contact your program's advisor—they often know about funding specific to your field.